A City Manager Legacy Projects event was hosted at Reiger Park NR 2 Secondary School on August 24, led by Ekurhuleni city manager Dr Imogen Mashazi.
To mark Women’s Month, a career exhibition focused on male-dominated industries and included women in uniform educating grades 11 and 12 female learners about a career in this field.
According to Millicent Ndalwane, deputy manager for community in the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services department, the aim of the project was to give recognition to women excelling in their careers, while inspiring the next generation of women and girls, and to profile women in local government.
“We also reflected on how far we have come in transformation, particularly in inequality when it comes to power,” said Ndalwane.
The event also addressed gender issues, such as sexism, racism, structural oppression and creating a conducive environment to enable women to take control.
Departments that exhibited and were represented included the EMPD, water and sanitation, energy and human settlements.
Mashazi inspired learners to fight social ills and overcome their circumstances.
“Girl child, it is possible. The road might not be easy but if you pray and study hard anything you want can be accomplished. Grab every opportunity,” she said.
“We are making great strides towards a tertiary institution in Ekurhuleni that will offer science and technology studies.”
Mashazi and learners browsed the exhibits together with each department explaining their field of work and the career opportunities.
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Learner Kulungile Manyela was excited that the school was visited by a prestigious person like the city manager.
“I am so confused about which career path to follow but these male-dominated careers presented today have inspired me to find more about them and choose a career.”
School patroller Victoria Snowball said they were delighted that the learners were presented with these career opportunities.
“This isn’t something we could teach the learners. They heard it from the people who work in these departments and we so grateful that the city manager took the time to visit us.”
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